Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim have played yo-yo with the lead in the German Bundesliga for the past few weeks. And Leverkusen looked good to top the standings after pulling ahead 3-0 just 24 minutes into the game. But Karlsruhe did not relax and came back to tie the game and even threatened to win the game.
Patrick Helmes After Just 33 Seconds
Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes continued his superb season with the opening goal after just 33 seconds. Helmes was fed a long ball from Arturo Vidal before scoring his ninth goal of the season though the legs of Karlsruhe keeper Markus Miller.
Kiessling And Kadlec Make It 3-0
Stefan Kiessling rose high on Renato Agusuto's high ball into the box to double the lead with a header on 17 minutes and Michal Kadlec's free kick goal left Leverkusen ahead 3-0 after just 24 minutes.
Karlsruhe Pull One Back Before Break
The host club pulled back an important goal in the 37th minute as Kiessling deflected Antonio da Silva's free kick into his own goal. It was the first goal that Leverkusen keeper Rene Adler had allowed in the past five games.
Just A One-Goal Deficit After Sebastian's Goal
Karlsruhe spent the early parts of the second half continuing their push forward and trimmed the deficit to 3-2 after 60 minutes. Da Silva's high free kick into the box was met by Tim Sebastian, who headed back against the run of Adler to the far right post.
Super Effort Rewarded By Iashvili
Leverkusen could not regain control of the match and Karlsruhe completed the comeback with 13 minutes left. Edmond Kapllani sent a pass out to the right wing to Stefano Celozzi who crossed back to far left post where Alexander Iashvili headed home the equalizer. It was Iashvili's first goal in the Bundesliga in more than three years and his first header goal in five years.
Karlsruhe Stopped From Victory By Adler
Adler was the only thing standing between a Karlsruhe victory and Leverkusen taking home at least one point as the German national team keeper had a number of fine stops in the final moments.
Leverkusen Even On Points With Hoffenheim
Bruno Labaddia's Leverkusen missed a chance to grab the lead in the league and sit on 25 points, even with leaders Hoffenheim, who have scored more goals and can increase their lead against Hertha Berlin on Sunday.
Disappointment In Leverkusen
Labaddia admitted his team is still susceptible to such games - as disappointing as it may be. "We were not over-confident just somewhat careless. But that can happen with a young team. But the team is really aggravated after leaving two points here in Karlsruhe," the coach told the German television station Premiere after the Saturday match.
And midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta told the German station ZDF: "If we don't play to our full potential then we are just an average team."
